Complete History and Structure of the Holy Kaaba

The Holy Kaaba is the most sacred place on Earth. Its value among Muslim community can’t be described in words. Every Muslim has a desire to visit the Holy Kaaba at least once in their whole of life. You can get this chance through cheap Umrah packages as it will not cost you too high.

Prayer

Almost every religion has a specific place to perform a pilgrimage. In the Arabic language, the Kaaba means ‘cube’. It is currently a squared shaped building elegantly covered with silk and cotton veil. It is located in the Holy City Makkah.

Muslim prays five times a day directing towards the Holy Kaaba. Prior to the 2nd year of migration of Holy Prophet (PBUH) from Makkah to Madinah Muslim prayed towards the direction of Bait-al-Maqdas rather than Holy Kaaba.

In the second year of migration, Muslim started to pray five times directing towards the Holy Kaaba as prescribed in Allah’s (SWT) command sent to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Bait-al-Maqdas is also known as the ‘first Kibla’ and the Holy Kaaba is known as ‘second kibla’.

Pilgrimage

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim wants to perform it. Most of its ritual is performed around the Holy Kaaba. Pilgrims perform tawaf (revolving around the Kaaba seven times in the state of ihram) around the Kaaba and all try to touch or kiss the Black Stone. It is located at the eastern corner of the holy Kaaba.

Hajj and Umrah both pilgrimages are incomplete if somebody doesn’t perform a valid tawaf around the holy Kaaba. Umrah in Ramadan is also equalled to hajj. That’s why you will see a huge number of Umrah pilgrims that arrive to perform Umrah in Ramadan.

History of Kaaba

Kaaba has been the holy place since pre-Islamic times. According to traditions and Islamic teachings, Prophet Abraham (RA) and his son Ismail (RA) build the holy Kaaba. ‘Maqam-e-Ibrahim’ is a point in Kaaba that has the footprints of Prophet Ibrahim (RA). It is believed that Ibrahim (RA) build the Kaaba while standing on that stone that was sent by Allah Almighty from Jannah.

In 608 CE, the Quraysh Tribe who mecca in pre-Islamic times reconstructed the holy Kaaba with the courses of masonry and wood. A door was made above the ground level to protect the Holy  Kaaba from invaders and water of the flood.

When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) return from Madinah to Makkah after a historical victory then He (PBUH) cleaned the holy Kaaba from the statues of pagan gods. These statues were placed by the Non-Muslims who believed in that.

Our Holy Prophet performed his last Hajj in 632 CE that was also the year of His death. He (PBUH) also delivered a lecture on Islamic teaching on that occasion and performs the rituals of Hajj. You should perform Hajj at least once if you have the capability with the help of approved hajj agents UK.

6 Cheapest Madinah Hotels to Book for Your Umrah (2020)

If you are thinking about reducing the cost of Umrah expenses you can do it by managing your travel arrangements in a smart way. It can be very problematic for anyone to manage all the travel arrangements as a solo traveller in a strange country. You can do it in your Umrah booking 2020 by checking out the following cheapest hotels in Madinah.

1. Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel

One of the best hotels located in the central commercial district of Madinah. If you have an aged lady in your family this would be a good hotel to stay during Umrah as it is located near ladies gate of Masjid-al-Nabawi. The ladies will not have to walk so far and men can also enter from ladies gate.

Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick Hotel is the biggest hotel in Madinah city. Here you will enjoy a wide range of great facilities and services. No matter if you are travelling solo or performing Umrah with the whole of your family you can stay here for good memories.

2. Madinah Hilton

Madinah Hilton is located at a max of three to five minutes walking distance from the Masjid-al-Nabawi. Mosque of Qiblatain and mosque Quaba is also located just near to the hotel. Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Airport is just a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

It is famous for its comfortable facilities, good staff and 24/7 customer service. It provides you services like free Wi-Fi at public spots, car parking, safety deposit boxes, and 24-hour good room service. It also provides its facilities for disabled persons.

3. Intercontinental Madinah Dar Al Iman

It is marked as one of the perfect spot closest to Masjid-al-Nabawi. It is located in the centre of the city and you can access anything without any hassle. Its minor walking distance from the entrance of the mosque makes it a god choice to stay during Umrah in 2020.

If you want to facilitate yourself by the services like high excellent room service, mini-bar, coffee/tea manufacturer, speedy internet access, desk and televisions Dar Al Iman Madinah is the best option for you under for an economical budget.

4. Pullman Zamzam Madinah

One of the best hotels that can give you the facility of direct sightseeing of Masjid-al-Nabawi from your window. It is located very near to the King Abdulaziz gate. So you can enter immediately into the mosque at prayer timing.

The staff of the hotel is also cooperative and friendly. It is famous for its great customer care services that include twenty-four-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, free parking, restaurants and airport shuttle service provided to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

5. Crowne Plaza Hotel Madinah

Located in the King Faisal Street that is one of the closest from the entrance gate of Masjid-al-Nabawi. It offers both traditional and modern styles of hospitality to Umrah pilgrims. Many pilgrims that stay here can walk to the mosque or they can facilitate themselves by free shuttle service.

The hotel provides free Wi-Fi for every room and at public spots too. Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport is just a 15 minutes car drive from the hotel’s location. Staff is friendly and speaks your language.

If you are carrying foreign currency you can exchange to Saudi riyals at the hotel. It is highly recommended for a couple stay in Madinah during Umrah. Regardless of its pretentious services it still fits under your economical budget.

6. Shaza Al Madinah

Located near to the mosque with a super friendly staff, it offers antique traditions styles within modern times. If you an art lover it will be a great place to be peaceful in your Umrah stay. The interior of the hotel is designed by the Egyptian architectures.

You will have the facility of custom Turkish tea and homemade bonbon in your room. It also offers the facility of a wellness centre and Kids club. It has excellent dining facilities with the great Saudi and modern cuisines to make your stay memorable.

These hotels will be the best options for your economy Umrah packages. You can reduce the cost of the package and take advantage of better services by selecting one of them. You should double-check this list before leaving for Umrah next time.